By: BHS Sports Staff
March 9, 2023
Opening day is right around the corner, and this young, exciting team is looking to continue what it finished last season.
A year ago, the Cleveland Guardians finished 92-70, swept the Tampa Bay Rays in the Wild Card Round, and took the Evil Empire (New York Yankees) to Game 5 of the ALDS, eventually losing the series 3-2.
A couple of new acquisitions during the offseason will only enhance their chances to make a deep postseason run this year because this team is still very young and loaded in every aspect.
After a 92-win season, the Guardians are projected to finish first in the AL Central and win 88 games. The Chicago White Sox and Minnesota Twins also had productive offseasons with acquiring solid role players. The White Sox added outfielder Andrew Beintendi and starting pitcher and former Indian Mike Clevinger; however, they lost All-Star first baseman Jose Abreu. The Twins re-signed Carlos Correa after his physicals failed with the San Francisco Giants and the New York Mets. They also signed outfielder Joey Gallo and catcher Christian Vazquez.
The new additions for the Guardians are slugging first baseman Josh Bell who signed a two-year, $34 million contract and catcher Mike Zunino who inked a one-year deal for $6 million. Also, there are quite a few top prospects for the Guardians who could make a major impact in 2023. They are outfielder George Valera, starting pitcher Daniel Espino, shortshop Brayan Rocchio, catcher Bo Naylor, and starting pitcher Tanner Bibee.
So far during Spring training, the Guards sit with a record of 4-6, but some players have had an electric start to the Spring. Roman Quinn, a free agent who got an invite to Spring training, has put on a home run display, thus far. In 14 at-bats, Quinn has hit three bombs and has tallied six RBI’s. Another guy who is off to a good start is minor league first baseman Micah Pries. In 15 at-bats, Pries had a solid average of .333 with two homeruns and five RBI’s.
Bell and Zunino are off and running for Cleveland with Bell showing off his power and Zunino showing off his great arm and overall athleticism.
Imagine this year’s lineup of Steven Kwan, Amed Rosario, Jose Ramirez, Josh Bell, Josh Naylor, Andres Gimenez, Oscar Gonzalez, Mike Zunino, and Myles Straw. A starting pitching staff of Shane Bieber, Triston McKenzie, Cal Quantrill, and more. A relief staff of Emmanuel Clase, James Karinchak, Sam Hentges, etc.
The Cleveland Guardians are ready to roll as they will try to make another run this postseason. They have everything it takes, and remember, Terry “Tito” Francona is still the manager.
Come to Progressive Field this Summer and pack the house!
Go Guards!
{To keep up-to-date with the Guardians, visit ClevelandGuardians.com.}
THE RETURN OF THE EYE 